Body in backyard may be that of missing California teen

FRESNO, Calif. -- Authorities are trying to determine if a body uncovered in a Fresno backyard is that of a teenage boy who disappeared four years ago.

The body was found buried behind a home after police served a search warrant Tuesday, Lt. Mark Salazar said. The body was uncovered several feet underground, he said.

Investigators received a tip last week that the body might be buried in the yard, Salazar said. Police did not identify the missing boy and have not said whether it might be that of the teen reported missing in 2009.

But Randy Essman told the Fresno Bee (http://bit.ly/17oIpTh ) that his nephew, 16-year-old Steven Humphrey, was last seen on Jan. 26, 2009, and lived in the neighborhood when he vanished. Essman said relatives believe the body uncovered Tuesday afternoon is Steven's.

Steven was featured on Comcast's Missing Kids On Demand through March 2012 and was identified as an endangered runaway. He was described as white, with brown hair and brown eyes, 5 feet, 1 inch tall and 100 pounds.

Salazar said detectives have several leads, but no one is in custody.

Police said the body will be taken to the Coroner's Office for identification.